Lamine Yamal (foto: Getty Images)
FIFPRO’s 2025 World XI has drawn criticism after leaving out stars like Raphinha and Mbappé, despite huge numbers, raising fresh questions about how the team is selected.
FIFPRO, the global players’ union, has unveiled its World XI for 2025, covering the period from August 2024 to August 2025, and the selection has once again triggered widespread debate across the football community.
Criticism this year has centred on some high-profile omissions. The most notable is Raphinha, who won three trophies during the period and delivered 38 goals and 24 assists, yet failed to make the final XI. His exclusion has baffled many observers who point to both silverware and consistent end product.
Big numbers, no reward
The debate has been intensified further by the absence of Kylian Mbappé, whose 44 goals over the same period also proved insufficient to convince voters. Combined, the attacking output highlighted by critics amounts to 111 goals and assists, a figure many believe should guarantee inclusion at this level.
Instead, a place was found for Jude Bellingham, a decision some fans have labelled puzzling, arguing that the England midfielder’s season was statistically less impressive than that of his Real Madrid team-mate Mbappé.
More questions over midfield and attack
Attention has also turned to Cole Palmer, whose numbers between August 2024 and August 2025 were viewed by many as less convincing than those of Raphinha, Mbappé or Mohamed Salah. Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain supporters have voiced frustration over the omission of João Neves, who played a key role for the French champions.
The final FIFPRO World XI 2025 reads:
Gianluigi Donnarumma; Nuno Mendes, Virgil van Dijk, William Pacho, Achraf Hakimi; Pedro “Pedri” González, Vítor “Vitinha” Ferreira, Jude Bellingham; Cole Palmer, Lamine Yamal, Ousmane Dembélé.
A familiar controversy
As in previous years, the announcement has reignited discussion over whether FIFPRO’s selection prioritises influence, reputation and balance over raw statistics and trophy counts. The lack of transparency around voting criteria continues to fuel contrasting interpretations of what truly defines the “best” XI.
The question remains open: how should an ideal team for the 2024/25 season really look?